Dr. Siddhartha Acharya's specialty is adult cardiology. His clinical interests include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), mitral valve prolapse, and high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia). Dr. Acharya is affiliated with Houston Methodist. He graduated from Medical College Baroda. Dr. Acharya has a 2.0 out of 5 star average patient rating. He takes several insurance carriers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze, Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold, and United Healthcare Choice. His practice is open to new patients.

Dr. Elizabeth Giuffre's specialties are pediatric cardiology and general pediatrics. Areas of expertise for Dr. Giuffre include obesity, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and atrial septal defect. She is affiliated with Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital, Memorial Hermann Southeast Hospital, and Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital. She graduated from the University of Texas and the University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine and then she performed her residency at a hospital affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. She takes Aetna EPO, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Coventry, and more. Dr. Giuffre welcomes new patients.

Dr. Gerard Abreo is a specialist in adult cardiology. He works in Webster, TX and Nassau Bay, TX. Clinical interests for Dr. Abreo include arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), mitral valve prolapse, and hypertension (high blood pressure). He is rated highly by his patients. Blue Cross Blue Shield Bronze, Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Gold are among the insurance carriers that Dr. Abreo honors. Dr. Abreo graduated from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and then he performed his residency at John Stroger Hospital of Cook County. He is professionally affiliated with Houston Methodist. He is open to new patients.

Cardiology is the study of the heart and blood vessels, and a cardiologist makes sure they are functioning well. Patients see cardiologists for many issues affecting the circulatory system, including:

Hypertension, or high blood pressure

Heart attack prevention and treatment

Congestive Heart Failure, where the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the needs of the body

Heart transplant evaluation and care after surgery

Peripheral vascular disease, where arteries in the limbs narrow and reduce blood flow

Aneurysm, or a swelling in the blood vessels

Coronary Artery Disease, where the blood vessels delivering oxygen and nutrients to the heart become blocked

After performing a physical exam, a cardiologist may order a number of imaging tests in order to get a better understanding of what disease or complication might be causing problems in the heart and blood vessels. Some of these might include:

An electrocardiogram, which checks the heart’s electrical activity

X-rays to see tissues more clearly

Cardiac catheterization, where a small tube is directed into the heart to test pressure, oxygen levels, and blood flow

Although some cardiologists provide primary care, cardiologists more typically work as consultants to primary care physicians when a heart issue comes up. Cardiologists do not perform surgery, but they can perform “interventional” procedures, such as balloon angioplasty (where a balloon is used to stretch open narrowed veins) or stent placement to keep blood flowing.

Cardiothoracic surgery is the medical specialty that provides surgical care for the chest. Most often this means heart or lung surgery, but it can also include surgery on the esophagus, breastbone, or chest wall. Some cardiothoracic surgeons may specialize in the surgical treatment of children, or focus on a specific organ or surgical procedure.

Some of the diseases and procedures that a cardiothoracic surgeon might handle include:

Coronary artery disease

Heart valve surgery

Lung cancer

Cancer of the esophagus

GERD, or severe acid reflux

Heart or lung transplants

Cardiothoracic surgeons may use various types of imaging, such as an electrocardiogram or CT scan, to diagnose problems and plan the operation. They may also offer minimally invasive surgery or robotic surgery, if appropriate, to lower the risk of scarring and infection.

Cardiothoracic surgery is an older medical specialty, but it is still one of the most amazing. Often patients who need a cardiothoracic surgeon are extremely sick, suffering from an illness that will kill them without intervention. With surgery, however, they often make a complete recovery.